Texas Teen Driving Laws, Insurance Requirements & Drivers License

The State of Texas Graduated Driver License Program

The Texas graduated license program establishes two phases of
driving requirements for teen drivers under the age of 18. Both phases establish
restrictions and education requirements that help limit high-risk driving
situations for teen drivers. By implementing these requirements, the Texas
graduated license program helps to keep teen drivers safe as they practice
driving and graduate to a less restrictive license level.

The State of Texas Instruction Permit

Candidates for the Texas instruction permit must be a
minimum of 15 years of age with a completion certificate from an approved
driver education course. They must
follow these rules:

all applicants under the age of 18 must have
their application signed by a parent or legal guardian that has custody of the
teen driver.

both the applicant and the authorized adult must
also sign a Zero Tolerance Law notification document that explains the
suspension procedures if a teen driver is found to have any detectable amount
of alcohol in their system.

all applicants for an instruction permit must
provide valid identification such as an original or certified birth
certificate, social security number or a valid United States passport.

Prior to receiving an instruction permit, teen drivers under
the age of 18 must submit verification of attendance and enrollment in school
or present a valid high school diploma or State of Texas certificate of
completion equivalent. In addition, teen drivers must pass a vision screening
and a written exam to receive an instruction permit. Once all of the criteria
have been met, a State of Texas Instruction Permit will be issued.

The instruction permit is issued without a photo and may only
be used to practice driving while accompanied by a licensed driver that is a
minimum of 21 years of age with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience. The
licensed adult must sit in the front passenger seat next to the instruction
permit holder at all times during the practice driving sessions. The
instruction permit is valid until the applicants next birthday plus 1 year and
is not renewable as an instruction permit.

Phase 1 of the Texas Graduated Driver License Program

Applicants under the age of 18 must hold their learner
permit for 6 months before graduating to Phase 2. If the teen driver has their
instruction permit suspended or revoked during the 6-month period, they must
serve their suspension and then remain suspension free for the remainder of the
6-month period to graduate to Phase 2.

During the Phase 1 period the teen driver must complete an
approved driver training course that consists of both classroom and on-the-road
driver training. After this is completed and the instruction permit holder has
reached the age of 16 they will be eligible to graduate to Phase 2.

Provisional License: Phase 2 of the Graduated Driver License Program

For the first 12 months, a provisional license holder under
the age of 18 may not drive with more than 1 person that is under the age of 21
that is not an immediate family member. In addition, teen drivers may not drive
between the hours of midnight and 5:00 AM except under the following
conditions:

Medical Emergencies

Purposes of Employment

A School Sanctioned Activity

After 6 months have passed both the passenger and time
restrictions are waived.

All Phase 2 drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone
or any wireless communication device while driving. All original driver
licenses held by teen drivers under the age of 18 are marked Provisional and
will expire on the 18th birthday or the next birthday after the date it is
issued.

The State of Texas Liability Insurance Law

Texas has what is called The Safety Responsibility Act that
mandates that all drivers are financially responsible for any accident that
they may cause. By law all vehicle owners must have a minimum amount of
liability insurance. The numbers listed below reflect the minimum liability
insurance required by state law.

$25,000
For the Injury or Death of 1 Person

$50,000 - For the Injury or Death of 2 Persons

$25,000
Damage to the Property of Others

Proof of financial responsibility must be provided upon the
request of a law enforcement officer.

Other Texas Information

The links below provide additional information about Texas driving laws found on this website.